In Celebration Of World Breastfeeding Week

I realise that World Breastfeeding Week was last week, but better late then never, I say!! I know everyone pushes breastfeeding as best (the whole "breast is best" message ad nauseum) but the reality is, it is not that simple. With Stephen, I only managed to breastfeed for 5 weeks, despite appointments with lactation consultants, medication and much grief both from my inner voice, but also from well meaning strangers and health professionals that didn't know the whole battle, I mean, story. With Irini, we are nearly at five months, and still going strong. In honour of World Breastfeeding Week, I wanted to share with you all the items that have made my journey with breastfeeding much easier.



My most treasured item at the moment is my Boppy pillow.

To be honest, this pillow is useful for bottle feeding (I used it for months with Stephen) but is a true lifesaver when breastfeeding. It helps raise the baby to a comfortable height, and takes the pressure off your arm. The removable slipcovers mean that it is easy to keep clean, especially if you have a chucky baby like me! The pillow also has so many other great uses, such as assisting with tummy time, helping your bub sit and propping them up, especially after a feed.




My second item is not an item at all, but a breastfeeding position. With all the problems with Stephen, we were so focused on getting my supply up, that using the lactation consultants to help me discover all the comfortable positions was simply not possible. This time, however, with more time available to utilise the LC without having to worry whether my baby was going to starve to death, I learnt how to feed Irini lying down. This make night times such a breeze. I simply bring her into bed, pop her on my breast, and then doze off while she sucks away. When I wake up, she has usually finished and I put her back to bed. If you want to try this, then the Australian Breastfeeding Association in Australia, or the La Leche League in the US have great counsellors and info that can help with this.




My third must have is the Bebe Au Lait, also known as a Hooter Hider!

These chic nursing covers are so much easier than trying to manage a muslin cloth or a blanket when trying to feed discreetly. Even better, the Bebe Au Lait has a rigid piece that keeps the top open, so you can maintain eye contact with your baby when feeding. I also use it to cover the stroller when Irini is trying to sleep. For World Breastfeeding Week, Bebe Au Lait has a promotion running all of August that includes 2 nursing covers and a Bug and Pickle set for $75, saving over $19!




My next recommendation is to invest in some nursing tops.

Glamourmom make some fantastic cami style tops that can be worn all through pregnancy as well as nursing. The tanks mean you can nurse very discreetly without baring your whole stomach or breast to the world. They come in a range of colours, and can be worn as a simple tank on its own, or, as i like to use it, as a layering piece underneath a wrap dress. This is the only way I have found to wear dresses when nursing!




My last recommendation is the LilyPadz nursing pads. These are a breathable, non-absorbent nursing pad that, unlike regular nursing pads, are invisible under clothing. I love these!!




What are your must-have breastfeeding tools? I would love to hear from all of you nursing mums!

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